Abstracts

Rationale: An epilepsy community can be defined well beyond the clinicians who provide direct patient care, or technical services, and must include those who provide non-medical services, allies, advocates and engaged people with epilepsy and /or their care givers. 2017 marks an uncertain year for people with epilepsy and those who provide clinical and other services for those with epilepsy. The potential loss of insurance, as well as a cultural shift which is not compassionate, and crescendo clinical burdens make it a stressful time in this community. Physician/Clinician/ Caregiver burnout is a serious concern. We report the unexpectedly positive findings of an epilepsy friend raiser. Methods: Following the regional biennial women's health in epilepsy conference, we invited the speakers, supporters and staff members to an exercise class at a studio near the symposium. The event was designed to be inexpensive, last one hour, and to thank the women in our professional community who support our local foundation or provide epilepsy care. The class was limited to 20. It took about two hours to develop and institute the plan for the exercise class. An electronic tool was used to invite participants. Participants could post messages, RSVP and later decline. There was NO fee for participation. Donations covered expenses including a fee for studio and instructor, and 1 quart of orange juice. All other materials were on hand. Results: 67 women were invited. 20 responded yes, and ultimately 17 attended, 21declined, 29 did not respond. Of those who declined, 6% thought that the exercise class was too difficult. Of the 17 who exercised, 13 had direct employment related to Neurology/epilepsy, three were allies of the epilepsy community and one had links to social justice activities but not epilepsy. Six health care workers in the group of 17 had no prior information about the local epilepsy foundation or it's activities. Among the 21 who declined,13 expressed a desire to attend and  asked to be included in future events; many voiced the difficulties of juggling family, career and weekend on call responsibilities. Some donated money to the Walk for Epilepsy. The exercise class raised money for the annual Walk for Epilepsy, at a ratio of 3.175 for each dollar spent on the event. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have a collaborative experience, that incorporated wellness and an opportunity to work together outside of the usual work environment. 20% of those who RSVP'd NO have volunteered to help set up another event, as well as 35% of those who participated. Conclusions: In the struggle to provide affordable, compassionate care to people with epilepsy and to help them flourish in our local community,finding allies in our own neighborhood is essential. This exercise engaged allies within and outside of the medical community.  This may be critical to continue advocacy for people with epilepsy.  Small, short, one hour events, at convenient times may help others became engaged in our local foundation and to understand the non-medical needs and the struggles that people with epilepsy face. While this activity was restricted to women only, future events may include both men and women who are supporters of women's health in epilepsy initiatives. Additionally, there was a request for more intense classes, such as spin, and more mediatative practices such as yoga. Wellness for those who are at the front lines in epilepsy care is an important issue, and activities like this provide an opportunity to exercise and to support emotional, social, and physical aspects of wellness. It is possible to accomplish this at an affordable cost, with relative ease.  Funding: none